Canyon Meadows School principal, others in quarantine after contact tests positive for COVID-19

Canyon Meadows School in southwest Calgary was to open as planned on Tuesday, but the principal and two other staff members were in quarantine after someone tested positive for COVID-19.

Officials at the kindergarten to Grade 5 school sent a letter to parents on Monday confirming the case, and stating that in-person classes would go ahead as planned on Tuesday.

In adherence to Alberta Health Services (AHS) protocols, the school principal, assistant principal and an administrative secretary are now in 14-day quarantine after they being identified through contact tracing as close contacts to the confirmed case, the school said.

"Our school remains open to in-person learning for all students and we are excited for the first day of school," principal Bobbie Schmidt said in the letter.

The letter did not state whether the individual who tested positive is school staff, or is connected to the school in some other way. 

School officials said in the letter that they believe the exposure happened on Aug. 25.

"We have worked closely with AHS to ensure necessary measures continue to be in place to protect all staff and students," the letter read in part. 

"This includes cleaning and disinfecting all items touched by the individual and removing and storing items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected (paper, books, etc.) in a sealed container for a minimum of 10 days. Our facilities staff has also conducted extended disinfecting of necessary spaces."

AHS has contacted all possible close contacts for this case, the letter said.

CBE, AHS direct CBC to each other for comment

The Calgary Board of Education confirmed via email that a letter was sent to parents but directed the CBC to contact AHS for further details.

"I can confirm that a letter went home to parents at Canyon Meadows School," a CBE spokesperson wrote.

"AHS is the point of contact for all questions regarding positive cases, so please reach out to them for more information."

However, Alberta Health spokesperson Sherene Khaw said in an email that CBC News should contact the school board, instead.

"It would be best to check directly with that school board as I do not currently have information on an outbreak," Khaw wrote.

"Please also note that the outbreak list on the website is scheduled to be updated tomorrow, and then again on Friday."

AHS has previously said that active outbreaks are reported after two cases at a seniors home, or five or more cases with a common exposure such as attending the same facility, community gathering, dinner party or workplace.